A Lot of Firsts this Christmas

Zen and Zoey enjoyed their first Christmas, it would appear. Santa brought them new toys and treats; and l gave them a scrambled egg with their breakfast.

They play so well together! 💚💜🐾🐾

And since Zoey’s been doing so much better with her “potty” training these last few weeks, I let her play on the carpeted living room floor with Zen most of the day.

Vying for the same toy. 🤣

These two had us – my brother and me – laughing most of the day. And there weren’t any accidents on the carpet at all. (Though there were two on the linoleum kitchen floor that I blame myself for.)

On my first Christmas without him, I thought of Sam often throughout the day – missing his physical presence and wishing I could hear his laughter and see his smile as the puppies played with their toys. – I came close to tears a few times, but mostly just felt the hole in my space that Sam’s presence filled for most of the last 30 years. I know he was here in spirit, as were all our furry angels. It was that knowing they were here with us in spirit that mostly kept the tears away.

And on my first Christmas without sweet Ducky and darling Bogie, I called Zoey “Ducky” several times because of the stark similarities in their sweet natures. And once or twice I called Zen “Bogie” just because it came out of my mouth first. LOL. A fleeting thought of dear Bogie’s awful death brought tears to my eyes, but they dried quickly when I thought of how loving, sweet, and intuitive he was throughout his much-too-short life.

Sometime last night, as I was checking Facebook, I found this memory of Ducky from what should have been Radar’s first Christmas with us. I felt myself choke up a little remembering that sweet boy’s battle with heart worm disease in 2019. But at least he went ahead knowing he had a family who loved him dearly and would miss his love and presence in their life.

So, all in all, my first Christmas without my two cherished soulmates was a good one. Bittersweet memories of Christmases past mixed with new memories to treasure from Christmas present. Unlike Ebenezer Scrooge, the ghost of Christmas future didn’t visit me in my dreams so I have no idea what’s in store for me. And I’m not going to dwell on or worry about it.

So, in ending this post, I hope that all my family and friends had a wonderful Christmas, Hanukkah, or whatever holiday you celebrate at this time of year. May we ALL look forward to a happy and fulfilling new year.

12 thoughts on “A Lot of Firsts this Christmas”

  1. Cat and DOG Chat With Caren says:

    I’m so glad I held onto this even if it took me forever to see it. Your video made me smile. I am so happy you have those two adorable furbabies, I know it is so hard for you, but seeing them daily has to make you smile (I KNOW IT DOES!!) xoxo

    Liked by 1 person

    • My Golden Life says:

      These two exasperate me at times; but I love them dearly! I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve almost called Zoey “Ducky” because of the similarities in their personalities. Zoey is such a sassy-sweet little girl! And like the young Ducky, she is into everything! Thank goodness Zen is past the teething stage!!

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  3. Jan K says:

    I’m glad you were able to put some of your sadness aside and enjoy Christmas as much as possible. We wish you nothing but good things in the new year; you deserve it! ♥

    Liked by 1 person

  4. Tails Around the Ranch says:

    Glad you had these two cuties to take up some space in your heart. Christmas may not be the same without past loves but these guys will bring you such joy and happiness and I hope it fills your heart. Thinking of you and wishing you a very happy 2023.

    Liked by 1 person

  5. Sandee says:

    It is bittersweet to think of our precious babies that have gone to the bridge. I can so relate. I’m glad your Christmas was good.

    Thank you for joining the Awww Mondays Blog Hop.

    Have a woof woof Awww Monday and week. My bet to your mom. ♥

    Liked by 1 person

  6. derrycats says:

    A sort of bittersweet Christmas for you, but so glad that you could both let the tears flow and appreciate what’s here and now. I hope the new year brings many good things your way.

    Liked by 1 person

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